The Dane was absolutely rinsed by Lolley in the first half. Pedersen had little defensive support from Villalba and was taken apart by Lolley in the build-up to Forest’s second goal.

Lolley was just too good for Pedersen on the day and his torment continued in the second half.

Ivan Sunjic 5

The Croatian fouled Robinson for the free-kick which led to Forest’s first goal. He didn’t protect Blues’ defence anywhere near well enough from thereon.
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(Image: EMPICS Sport)

David Davis 5

Davis, working closely with Sunjic, couldn’t get to grips with Forest’s midfielders. The Reds found plenty of space in behind Davis and would have added further goals had they been more ruthless.

Gary Gardner 4

Looked lost out wide at times in the first half. He wasted Blues’ best chance to get back into the game just before the break by electing to shoot from distance instead of finding the unmarked Jutkiewicz at the far post.

Fran Villalba 5

Villalba clearly has talent but this match was a rough introduction to what life can be like playing away in the Championship. He left Pedersen exposed time and time again with attacking clearly at the forefront of his mind.

Dan Crowley 5

Crowley showed glimpses of his ability in the first half but quickly became frustrated with Forest’s dominance. To his credit, he kept trying until Clotet hooked him with a few minutes remaining.

Jutkiewicz was completely isolated until Gimenez’s introduction – but the game was lost by then. Blues rarely played to his strengths with Crowley and Villalba unable to get within range to play the intricate one-twos which worked so well against Bristol City last week.

SUBS

Alvaro Gimenez (for Gardner, 60) 5

The Spaniard’s debut wasn’t an enjoyable one and he lost possession needlessly a few times.